My View on all things Yankees, Nets, and the NFL

Menu

Search

New York City

Vikings @ Lions: After 5 weeks of the season, I never thought this game would be a fight for sole possession of the first place in the NFC North. But thanks to the Lions winning five of their last six while the Vikings lost 4 straight, we have this scenario. Minnesota has been carried by their defense all season, while Detroit has done a good job of winning close games of late. Neither team’s running game has been impressive. Detroit is used to playing on a short week during Thanksgiving, and with the edge at quarterback, I’m taking the home team in a close game this week. DETROIT WINS

Redskins @ Cowboys: Dallas enters as the league’s best team, but don’t look past Washington. The NFC East is the only divisions in the football with all 4 teams over .500, so this will be a battle. The Redskins put up 42 on the Packers on Sunday Night, and haven’t lost a game in three weeks. The Cowboys have won 9 straight, but have had close calls the past two weeks. So this could be the game that ends the Cowboys streak no question, I just don’t think it will be. Look for another big game from Ezekiel Elliot. DALLAS WINS

Steelers @ Colts: Both AFC teams enter off wins and at 5-5 on the season. The Steelers are tied for the AFC North lead, while the Colts are a game back in the AFC South. Le’Veon Bell had a huge game last week in Pittsburgh’s easy win over the Browns. Indianapolis played their best defensive game of the year, holding a red-hot Titans team under 20 points, which was the lowest point total the Colts have allowed this year. So while the Colts are playing better of late, the Steelers defense is better and not to mention their ability to control the clock on the ground will get them above .500 this week. PITTSBURGH WINS

Sunday 1PM Games

Titans @ Bears: Tennessee saw their hot streak stopped by Indianapolis last week. That being said, they still played well, coming back from 21-0 to make the Colts sweat late. Chicago lost their 8th of the season despite scoring more points in the first half against the Giants than they average for a full game. But they lost another lineman, and Jay Cutler got hurt adding to the loss of their best offensive weapon in Alshon Jeffery. It’s not definite that Cutler is out for the season yet, but even if he was healthy, Marcus Mariota has been so good lately that they have the edge there. TENNESSEE WINS

Jaguars @ Bills: The Bills are currently out of a playoff spot, but still very much in the conversation at 5-5. Jacksonville on the other hand, is facing another top 5 draft pick. Their offense hasn’t been what I thought it could be coming into the season, with disappointing decisions from Blake Bortles in the air, and not enough from T.J. Yeldon on the ground. Buffalo hasn’t put enough complete games together for a team with a very good defense and an offense featuring an explosive running back, hence the .500 record. But they’re the better team, and can shut down a mistake prone Bortles. BUFFALO WINS

Bengals @ Ravens: As if Cincinnati’s season hasn’t been disappointing enough, they face the rest of the season without their starting running back, and at least this week without their best weapon in AJ Green. If you’re the Bengals, you have to hope the absence of Green means Andy Dalton spreads the ball more, and it means opposing defenses can’t game plan for just one guy. Baltimore wasn’t going to be scared this week either way, as they come into action as the second ranked total defense in the league. They are coming off a loss to Dallas, but at 5-5 are very much in the AFC North race, while the Bengals find themselves in third place at 3-6-1. Give me the home team to get above .500 fairly easily. BALTIMORE WINS

Cardinals @ Falcons: Arizona has been disappointing this season after a strong 2015-16 season. They’ve been up-and-down on defense, and injuries on offense have slowed them down. Their best chance this weekend is for David Johnson to have a big game, and control the clock. Even if the Cardinals can do that, Atlanta knows how to score quickly. The Falcons are coming off their worst offensive game of the season, only scoring 15 points after scoring at least 23 in their previous 9 games. So which bird flies higher this weekend? Give me the home team to rebound offensively in what could be a very high scoring affair. ATLANTA WINS

Giants @ Browns: New York comes in winners of five straight, sitting in a Wild Card spot in the NFC. Their opponents are still win-less at 0-11 and after some fight early in the season, have been blown out in their last three games, scoring just a total of 26 points over that span. This spells trouble for Cleveland, as the Giants defense has been very good during their winning streak. If the Browns want to get their first win of the year, they’ll have to force New York’s offense into turnovers, and avoid turning over the ball themselves. Even if they play clean, I don’t see them coming away with a victory this week. NEW YORK WINS

Rams @ Saints: Both teams enter with identical 4-6 records, and both find themselves in third place in their respective divisions. But that’s where the similarities end. New Orleans continues to be carried by their offense, Los Angeles by their defense. The Rams have made a change at quarterback to help their offense that hasn’t scored more than 10 points in four straight games. The Saints defense isn’t anything to write home about, but they have gotten better as the season has gone by, so while the Rams should score more than 10 this week, they won’t be able to keep Drew Brees down enough to win. NEW ORLEANS WINS

49ers @ Dolphins: Tied with the Giants for the second longest win streak in the NFL heading into week 12, the Dolphins have taken down 4 AFC opponents, and have figured out how to win the close games they were losing early. San Francisco is on a nine-game losing streak, and despite some better offensive performances of late, they’re just lacking talent on both sides of the ball. I still think Miami has been disappointing this season, despite the winning streak, but they are by far the better team and will make it six wins in a row. MIAMI WINS

Chargers @ Texans: Despite being one of the more confusing teams in the league this season, Houston is two games above .500 and have a one game lead over the Colts for the AFC South title. The Texans running game has been a strength this season, but the Chargers are one of the best at stopping the run. So if Houston wants to get their seventh win of the season, they’ll need Brock Osweiler to play smart in the passing game. Philip Rivers will have a similar challenge in the passing game, as the Texans defense is one of the best there. So who wins on Sunday? I’m taking the upset, San Diego gets the win on the road. SAN DIEGO WINS

Sunday 4/425 Games

Seahawks @ Buccaneers: The Seahawks are rounding into form after a tie with the Cardinals and a road loss to the Saints, they’ve won three games in a row are scoring at will. Tampa is trending up as well, winners of two straight and just a game back in the NFC South. The Buccaneers offense has been pretty good all season, but their defense is stepping up of late. So while Seattle has been playing well on both sides of the ball, this game won’t be an easy game to win, especially on the road. But I still think they get the job done and move to 8-2-1. SEATTLE WINS

Patriots @ Jets: Before the season started, I thought this game would be the game that ultimately determined the AFC East winner. But now it’s just a chance for the Patriots to maintain their AFC best record and further bury the Jets. New York’s offense is in shambles, and their defense isn’t much better. Tom Brady missed a couple of days of practice this week, but we know even if he missed a game New England would be in good hands at quarterback. Note to mention how good their run game has been this season. This should be a pretty easy Patriots win on the road. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Panthers @ Raiders: Carolina is still very much alive in the NFC South, but they have a lot of work to do at 4-6 on the season. Unfortunately for them, they’re playing one of the best and hottest teams in the league this week. Derek Carr is an MVP candidate, and the Raiders defense is very good. For the Panthers to win this game, their defense needs to play their best game. This game has the potential to be a 10-7 game, and a 35-33 game. Either way, I like Oakland to get to 9-2 this weekend. OAKLAND WINS

Sunday Night Football

Chiefs @ Broncos: It’s a HUGE AFC West match-up on Sunday night. Both teams enter with 7-3 records, tied for second behind the Raiders in the AFC West. Both are also wild card teams right now, so a loss means falling to third in the division and moving closer to missing the playoffs altogether. Kansas City’s offense hasn’t been great of late, while the Broncos have found a way to survive without CJ Anderson. This could be a defensive struggle, but I feel better about the Broncos at home, where they don’t lose often. DENVER WINS

Monday Night Football

Packers @ Eagles: Green Bay continues to disappoint, coming off an embarrassing performance on Sunday night against Washington. Now they face another NFC East opponent in the last place, despite their 5-5 record, Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers have the edge at quarterback but that’s about it. And even Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been himself this season. The Eagles defense has been pretty good all season and that’s why they’ll win this week. PHILADELPHIA WINS

15 down. 2 to go. I can’t believe we’re down to just two weeks of the regular season already, and so much is yet to be decided. It’s a football fan’s dream finish.

No more Thursday night games, so you have to wait til Sunday, but that just means more fun jam-packed into the weekend.

1PM Sunday Games

Miami @ Buffalo: Don’t look now but the Dolphins have come back to life, and are currently a spot out of an AFC Wildcard. The Bills are just playing out the season, and I think Miami keep things interesting, and force other teams to eliminate them from playoff contention. MIAMI WINS

New Orleans @ Carolina: It’s the game that could ultimately decided the NFC South. A Saints win wraps it up by virtue of winning the season series. A Panthers win would give them their first lead in the division of the season, and would ensure at least a tie. The Saints had a very bad game against the Rams on the road a week ago, as they continue to play poorly away from home. The Panthers defense can beat anyone. I know this might not be fair, but this will be Carolina’s 1st playoff game of the season. They played poorly in New Orleans, and while they’re at home, Drew Brees knows how to turn it up and win the big game. Cam Newton has played well all season, but I want to see him do it this weekend. They make the playoffs, but I’m not sure they do it as division champs. NEW ORLEANS WINS

Minnesota @ Cincinnati: Just when the Bengals looked like they were going to cruise to an AFC North title, the Ravens are now a game back. They take on a Vikings squad that has looked much better in the 2nd half of the season under Matt Cassel at quarterback. But I think Cincy will find a way to right the ship at home and keep their lead in the division, and lock up a playoff spot. CINCY WINS

Denver @ Houston:The Broncos have a playoff spot locked up, but still have a lot to play for after a loss to San Diego last week. The division and the number 1 seed are still there for the taking, so Denver can’t look past a Houston team on a 12-game losing streak. Matt Schaub will start under center for the Texans who look to at least find a way to get to 3 wins before the season ends. But I don’t think the change back to their Opening Day starter changes things for a hungry Broncos team. DENVER WINS

Tennessee @ Jacksonville: The Titans had a shot at a playoff spit, but that’s gone now. As for the Jags, they’ve shown great fight the second half of the season, giving fans in Florida some hope for the future. And I think those good feelings continue at home for the jags. JACKSONVILLE WINS

Indianapolis @ Kansas City: The Colts need this one badly. The Chiefs still have a great shot at the division, but are ensured a playoff spot no matter what. I know it’s a road game for the Colts, but I think they find away to get back on track and secure their spot in the postseason. Andrew Luck has shown he can come up big in big situations. INDY WINS

Dallas @ Washington: This is a case of a really bad team in Washington, versus a really bad December team in Dallas. The Redskins have been stuck on 3 wins for what feels like forever, and have benched RGIII. The cowboys continue to waste a talents roster and golden opportunities. But I think the boys, even if it’s against a bad team, get a December win and force week 17 against Philly to mean playoff or bust. DALLAS WINS

Cleveland @ New York Jets: A week after coming back to life, the Jets were shutdown by Carolina, while the Browns lost a win in the final seconds to New England. I think the browns defense can handle the inconsistent New York offense, so that’s why I have them picking up the road win. CLEVELAND WINS

Tampa Bay @ St. Louis: Much like the jags, the Buccaneers have put together a nice 2nd half, in relation to their awful start. As for the Rams, they’ve been up and down all year, but have a defense to build around, giving them much hope for success in the not-so distant future. Give me St Louis in a close one at home. ST LOUIS WINS

4:05PM Sunday Games

Arizona @ Seattle: A win ensures the road to the Superbowl in the NFC lies in Seattle. And for that to happen would at home would be huge for arguably the best hoe field advantage league wide. The argument can be made for the Superdome, who’s inhabitants, like the Seahawks, are light years better at home, that’s huge. The Cardinals have something to say here, looking to clinch their own postseason berth. It’s going to be a good game, but the 12th man comes into play, as it will throughout Seattle’s postseason run. SEATTLE WINS

New York Giants @ Detroit: It’s just the 2nd losing season under head coach Tom Coughlin, and it’s been a rough one. On the other side, you’ve got a Lions squad that doesn’t do well with prosperity. They held the division in their hands, and have let it slip. I think with this game benign at home, and the state of the Giants, a Detroit goes off for a big win. And if they don’t, look for head coach Jim Schwartz to possibly be on the hot seat. DETROIT WINS

4:25PM Sunday Games

New England @ Baltimore: The AFC Championship game rematch pits two teams that haven’t locked up a playoff spot yet, but that both currently sit in position to do so. The Pats can wrap up the AFC East with a win, while the defending Champs can help out their cause as well. I know it’s a home game for Baltimore, but their offense just hasn’t been up to snuff of late. They only won last week because Justin Tucker is automatic on field-goal attempts. The Pats have been inconsistent this year, but I think they find a way this week. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Oakland @ San Diego: The Chargers inconsistent season has them at 7-7, and they remain the hunt for a playoff spot. While I don’t see them getting in, I also don’t see them knocking themselves out. Oakland has fallen off from a pretty solid start, but I just don’t see them getting the win this week. SAN DIEGO WINS

Pittsburgh @ Green Bay:Matt Flynn continued to show a lot of good things last week in their big come-fro-behind win over Dallas. The Steelers were shut down by the Ravens, and were beaten by a kicker in week 15. Aaron Rodgers could be back under center this week, and at home, that would give this team a huge lift, but even without A-Rod, I see the Packers keeping the pressure on Chicago in the North. GREEN BAY WINS

Sunday Night Football

Chicago @ Philadelphia: Both teams have a spot in the playoffs in their sights, as division leaders heading into action. It all depends on what happens earlier in the day, but a win by either team ensures at least a tie heading into the final week of the season. Nick Foles has had a fantastic year to get the Eagles to this point, but I think the return of Jay Cutler revitalized the Bears and they make things easier on themselves playoff wise. CHICAGO WINS

Monday Night Football

Atlanta @ San Francisco: Depending on what happens on Sunday, the Niners could still have a shot the division. But even if the Hawks do wrap it up, they still hold the edge for a wildcard spot, and we all know that San Francisco knows what it takes to go on a playoff run. The Falcons are a team many, myself included, would have a shot at a Superbowl run, but instead they are just a game ahead of the Skins for the worst record in the NFC. Atlanta will attempt to play spoiler, but at home, I don’t see the 49ers falling prey. SAN FRAN WINS

That’s it. Enjoy all the playoff clinching, playoff heartbreak fun that will ensue in week 16.

14 down, 3 to go, and 3 teams have already punched their tickets to the playoffs already. The Colts are your AFC South champs, while the Seahawks and Broncos have clinched at least a wild card berth.

Thursday Night Football

San Diego @ Denver: They’ve got a playoff spot locked up, but Denver still has a lot to play for, namely the division and number 1 seed in the AFC. But the Chargers are still looking to sneak into the playoffs. Both offense so are coming off good weeks, but the Broncos just don’t lose at home. And the Chargers are so inconsistent I don’t trust them in a must win game. DENVER WINS

1PM Sunday Games

Washington @ Atlanta: Both teams are just playing out the season, and looking to avoid the worst record in the league. The Skins are coming off a blowout win, while the Falcons played a close one with Green Bay. I think the Falcons have been a little bit more consistent, at least on offense, so give me the home team in this one. ATLANTA WINS

San Francisco @ Tampa Bay: The niners are coming off a big win, and are still fighting for a playoff spot. The Bucs are having a good 2nd half of the season, but aren’t playing for anything. That’s why I see San Fran coming out and picking up the road win to maintain their hold on a wild card spot. SAN FRAN WINS

Seattle @ New York Giants: One looks to secure the 1 seed in the NFC, the other is playing out the season. The Seahawks aren’t the same team they are on the road, but they’re a way better team than a giants, so give me the road team. SEATTLE WINS

Philadelphia @ Minnesota: The Eagles have a chance to make winning the east easier on themselves with a win against the Vikings. they hold a game lead over Dallas and play them the final week of the season. The Vikings are the North bottom-dwellers and are down AP. PHILLY WINS

New England @ Miami: The Pats are coming off a last second come from behind win, while the Dolphins are also coming off a good win last week. New England has been up and down lately, especially in how they start games. But the Pats are just a better team, despite the loss of Gronkowski, and they’ll find away to get off to a good start on the road this week. NEW ENGLAND WINS

Buffalo @ Jacksonville: The Jags are having the kind of second half their fans hope carries over to next year. They’re 4-1 after an 0-9 start and won’t finish in the bottom of the South. The Bills look like they might just end up the bottom-dwellers in the East despite a pretty solid run game all season. Jacksonville has been much more consistent on both sides of the football of late, and that’s why I think they get their 5th win of the season. JACKSONVILLE WINS

Houston @ Indianapolis: I’ve given up on the Texans, which is saying something since they gave up about 8 weeks ago. The Colts continue struggle in the 2nd half of the season, falling big to Cincinnati a week ago. So what gives this week? Does Houston finally stop their franchise long losing streak at 11, or do the Colts snap out of their funk? I think it’s the latter simple because the Colts are just too good to fall into such a big trap game. INDY WINS

Chicago @ Cleveland: The Bears walked all over the Cowboys a week ago, but couldn’t stop the run. The Browns defense did enough the first 40 minutes to give them a chance against the Pats, but it wasn’t enough. The Bears are another team that is consistently inconsistent, while Cleveland got off to a surprisingly hot start, and have cooled down. But the Browns have done a pretty good job against the run this season, and I think they find away to spoil the bears playoff dreams. The Bears do get Cutler back, despite a big game from McGown. CLEVELAND WINS

4/4:25 PM Games

Kansas City @ Oakland: The Chiefs got back on track in a big way to snap their 3 game skid last week, while the Raiders gave up a ton of points to the Jets. So give me the playoff team over the not playoff team. KANSAS CITY WINS

New York Jets @ Carolina: The Jets offense came back to life, but the Panthers defense will put it back to sleep. End of story. CAROLINA WINS

Green Bay @ Dallas: The Packers were helped out last week by a Lions loss, so they still have a shot at the division. The Cowboys continue to struggle in December, and look to rectify that. And I think they will to keep things interesting in the East. DALLAS WINS

Arizona @ Tennessee: The Cardinals are looking to fly into the playoffs, but so are the Titans. These are two surprise teams in their given conferences so I expect a tough battle. But I think the Cardinals are more balanced, and they’ll get a big road win. ARIZONA WINS

New Orleans @ St. Louis: The Saints made a statement at home against the Panthers a week ago, and now look to make another one on the road against a very good Rams defense. I think they will. NEW ORLEANS WINS

Sunday Night Football

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh: This AFC North showdown is much more important for the Steelers who are still trying to steal a playoff spot. But that’s not to say it’s not big for the Bengals, who want to hold on to the number 2 seed in the playoffs. And I think they respond, looking to finally move on to the 2nd round after a number of 1st round losses. CINCY WINS

Monday Night Football

Baltimore @ Detroit: The Ravens are a playoff team (right now) again. The Lions are also in the postseason as of now atop the North. But neither are secured so it’s a huge game for both squads. But in a playoff like game, I trust Joe Flacco and the Superbowl Champs way more than the Lions who seem to always underachieve. Give me the road team. BALTIMORE WINS